Spanish Navy Rear Admiral Jose Enrique Delgado Roig took command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) December 18, during a ceremony at Cartagena harbor in Spain.

Admiral Delgado Roig received the command from the Portuguese Rear Admiral Alberto Manuel Silvestre Correia, while the new flagship, ESPS Álvaro De Bázan conducted the operational handover with the previous flagship NRP D. Francisco de Almeida.

In attendance were the crews from ESPS Álvaro De Bázan, NRP D. Francisco de Almeida and HMCS Winnipeg, as well as local civilian and military authorities.

During the Portuguese period of command, SNMG1 has participated in exercises Contex-Phibex, Breeze, Joint Warrior and Trident Juncture 15, and has contributed to Operation Active Endeavour, NATO’s counter-terrorism operation in the Mediterranean, visiting nineteen ports in 10 countries along the way.

Rear Admiral Delgado Roig said: “I take command of a Maritime Force that over the years has earned a reputation of comradeship and team work and which, at the same time, has achieved an impressive record of efficiency and professional achievement.”